Alleghany viburnum (Viburnum x rhytidophylloides ‘Alleghany’) is a hybrid cross between V. rhytidophyllum and V. lantana ‘Mohican’ (USDA hardiness zones 5-8). ‘Alleghany’ viburnum is rated a four season landscape shrub, with multiple year-round appeal including a durable semi-evergreen leathery foliage, dependable spring flowering, and showy fruits in fall and winter.

This lovely spring flowering shrub grows 10-12 feet tall and 12 -15 feet wide. Its dark green semi-evergreen leaves are resistant to bacterial leaf spot. Branch wood is coated with tiny gray-brown woolly hairs on stems and on the undersides of leaves. This medium sized flowering shrub is an excellent choice for privacy screening.

In most years leaves turn purplish in winter and persist through ice and snow into mid-February. In mid-April, showy creamy white flat-top flowers open at the ends of branches. Up close, flowers emit a faint unpleasant stale odor; otherwise observe from 6 or more feet away. Glorious clusters of dark red fruits fill the branch tips from late summer to early fall. The combination of fruits along with coarse green foliage are major autumnal assets.  Red fruits ripen to black and numerous birds flock to this shrub for food and winter protection.

Alleghany viburnum prefers either full or 6- hours minimum daily sunlight for heaviest flowering. Moist, slightly acidic, well-drained soil is essential. A 2-year old established shrub exhibits above average drought tolerance. Fertilize in early spring with a slow release fertilizer such as Osmocote or Nutricote.

This large viburnum is available either as a large landscape size balled and burlapped (b&b) or smaller size container-grown plant. In early spring rake away old fallen leaves and mulch viburnums for a clean appearance.

This viburnum has no serious insect or disease problems. Prune, if necessary, after spring flowering and before July 15.

Best fruit numbers occur with cross pollination from Viburnum spp. parents or clones within the hybrid.

‘Alleghany’ Viburnum – A Versatile Spring Flowering Shrub